Signification
For the purpose of; so that something can happen.
Contexte culturel
In Portugal, 'de modo a' is very common in news broadcasts (RTP, SIC) and is seen as a standard part of educated speech. Brazilians often prefer 'a fim de' in semi-formal contexts, reserving 'de modo a' for highly formal writing or legal documents. In African Lusophone countries, the formal register often follows European Portuguese standards closely, making 'de modo a' a frequent choice in official government communications. Across the Lusophone world, university students are taught to use 'de modo a' to avoid the repetitive use of 'para' in their theses.
The 'Que' Rule
If you find yourself wanting to add a subject (I, you, he), switch to 'de modo que'.
Avoid Overuse
Don't use it more than once in a paragraph; it can make your writing feel heavy.
Signification
For the purpose of; so that something can happen.
The 'Que' Rule
If you find yourself wanting to add a subject (I, you, he), switch to 'de modo que'.
Avoid Overuse
Don't use it more than once in a paragraph; it can make your writing feel heavy.
Brazilian Preference
In Brazil, 'a fim de' is your best friend for professional but not 'stiff' emails.
Negation Placement
Always put 'não' after the 'a': 'de modo a não...'. Never 'não de modo a'.
Teste-toi
Preencha a lacuna com 'de modo a' ou 'de modo que'.
O diretor falou pausadamente _______ todos entendessem.
Since 'todos entendessem' is a clause with a new subject and a conjugated verb (subjunctive), 'de modo que' is required.
Escolha a frase mais adequada para um relatório formal.
Como devemos expressar o objetivo de um novo projeto?
This option uses the correct formal register, correct grammar (infinitive), and no unnecessary accents.
Complete a resposta do candidato na entrevista de emprego.
Entrevistador: 'Por que você reorganizou o arquivo?' Candidato: 'Eu o reorganizei _______ facilitar o acesso da equipe.'
'Facilitar' is in the infinitive, and the register is formal, making 'de modo a' the best fit.
Combine a ação com o objetivo usando 'de modo a'.
Ação: 'O governo baixou os impostos'. Objetivo: 'estimular a economia'.
This correctly links the action and purpose using the infinitive.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Synonyms by Formality
Very Formal
- • De modo a
- • Com o intuito de
Neutral
- • A fim de
- • Para
Informal
- • Pra
- • De jeito que
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesO diretor falou pausadamente _______ todos entendessem.
Since 'todos entendessem' is a clause with a new subject and a conjugated verb (subjunctive), 'de modo que' is required.
Como devemos expressar o objetivo de um novo projeto?
This option uses the correct formal register, correct grammar (infinitive), and no unnecessary accents.
Entrevistador: 'Por que você reorganizou o arquivo?' Candidato: 'Eu o reorganizei _______ facilitar o acesso da equipe.'
'Facilitar' is in the infinitive, and the register is formal, making 'de modo a' the best fit.
Ação: 'O governo baixou os impostos'. Objetivo: 'estimular a economia'.
This correctly links the action and purpose using the infinitive.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, in meaning, but 'de modo a' is much more formal and used primarily in writing.
No, it must be followed by a verb in the infinitive. You can't say 'de modo a João'.
Usually, no comma is needed before it unless the sentence is very long or for stylistic emphasis.
It is always 'de modo a'. There is no crase because it precedes a verb.
Only if you are being intentionally formal or ironic. Otherwise, it's too heavy.
There is no difference in meaning. 'De maneira a' is slightly more common in Portugal.
Yes, but it's rare. Usually, it follows a main clause. Example: 'De modo a evitar atrasos, saímos cedo.'
Yes, but mostly in formal writing, news, and law. In speech, it's rare.
The verb after 'a' is always infinitive, but the main verb can be in the past. 'Ele agiu de modo a ajudar.'
It is considered grammatically incorrect by most purists, though you may hear it. Stick to 'de modo que'.
Expressions liées
De maneira a
synonymIn order to
A fim de
similarWith the purpose of
Com o intuito de
specialized formWith the intention of
De modo que
builds onSo that
Para
similarTo / For
